Sen. Meyer Opposes Bill Blocking Release of Crime Scene Photos, Videos

Senator Edward Meyer, who represents voters in Durham, was one of only four Connecticut lawmakers to vote Wednesday against a bill that will prevent the public release of crime scene photos and video of homicide victims, including the 26 victims of last December's Sandy Hook tragedy.

The bill passed the Senate and House overwhelmingly and is expected to be signed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy soon.

Meyer, who has been criticized for his proposal to enact gun control measures making it illegal to own any firearm capable of holding more than one bullet, stood his ground on the public's right to access to the records.

"There is a bigger issue here that must be addressed. Criminal conduct occurred which is subject to Connecticut's criminal law, perhaps the most public of our laws. The Newtown crimes were committed on public property. The photos and recordings were taken or obtained by police officers. The suppression of horrific crimes committed on public property and recorded by public officials is not consistent with a free and open society," he said in a statement.

Other lawmakers argued that victim's families needed to be protected from having the images distributed on the internet.

The Hartford Courant has the full story here.